As the weather cools down in the northern hemisphere, those desktop wallpapers of stunning Caribbean beaches start to look even more tempting. Sitting at work, you might be daydreaming about a Caribbean vacation. Having lived here for the past four years, I can genuinely say that the beaches we’ve visited and want to share with you are spectacular.
While many beautiful beaches are spread across the Caribbean, some truly stand out. In this article, I’m going to list not only the best beaches but also the top hotels nearby, making it easier for you to plan a winter getaway to the tropical sun and clear, turquoise waters of this gorgeous region. Whether you’re looking for a January escape from the cold or a spring holiday, there’s a beach here for you.
Beach preferences can be subjective. If you know of other amazing Caribbean beaches not on this list, feel free to share them in the comments!
While reading this list, you might think of other places with softer sand, clearer water, or better snorkeling. But we considered various factors like proximity to cool cities and landmarks, quality of nearby hotels, and the overall vibe. Though many beaches could have made this list, we feel these offer something for everyone. We’ll update this list in the future, but for now, we believe these are the best!
Carlisle Bay, Barbados: One of the top beaches in the Caribbean, this bay includes Browns Beach, Pebbles Beach, and Bayshore. It boasts powdery white sands, excellent restaurants, and a popular fish sandwich stand called “Cuz’s”. The crescent-shaped bay is a natural harbor on Barbados’ west coast, serving as the main harbor for the capital, Bridgetown. You can relax with a rum punch, snorkel, or dive near reefs and shipwrecks. Nearby hotels include some stunning options for your stay.
Morne Rouge, Grenada: Less crowded than the more famous Grand Anse Beach, Morne Rouge offers a relaxed atmosphere with funky bars and luxury dining options overlooking the bay. Known for its calm waters and local vibe, this beach is one of our favorites.
Palm Island, Union Island: This private island is the epitome of Caribbean beauty. Even if you don’t stay at the luxury resort, day trips and sailing tours are available. We took a fantastic sailing day trip around the Grenadine Islands, including a stop at Palm Island, for about $100 per person. The nearby Palm Island Resort is luxurious but pricey, while King’s Landing Hotel on Union Island is a more affordable option.
Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & The Grenadines: This marine protected area features five stunning islands, rich coral reefs, and dozens of turtles. Though you’ll likely need to join a tour to get there, it’s worth every penny. No hotels exist on the islands, so staying on nearby Union Island or Mayreau is recommended, with Salt Whistle Bay being a popular hotel choice on Mayreau.
Ambergris Caye, Belize: A relaxed vibe, powdery white sand, and excellent snorkeling and diving because of the Belize Barrier Reef make this one of our favorite islands. Ride a bike, wade in the crystal-clear waters, or take a trip to the nearby Blue Hole. Hotels worth checking out include Victoria House Resort, Portofino Beach Resort, and Xanadu Island Resort.
Playas del Este, Cuba: Located near Havana, this beach offers white sand, blue water, and a lively local atmosphere. Despite initial low expectations, we were pleasantly surprised. Stay in Havana and take a bus or taxi to enjoy the beach. Recommended accommodations include Casa Daniel y Fina and B&B Central Havana.
Playa Ancon, Cuba: Close to the Unesco World Heritage city of Trinidad, this beach combines beauty with cultural richness. Lounge chairs, beach-side service, and proximity to Trinidad make it a must-visit. While hotels are available, staying in a casa particular in Trinidad is recommended. Casa Bernardo and Casa Merelis are great options.
Ocean Park Beach, Puerto Rico: Near San Juan, this beach offers golden sand, local restaurants, and a relaxed vibe. Visiting helps support the island’s recovery from Hurricane Maria. Great local stays include Numero 1 Guest House and Nomada Urban Beach Hostel.
Kaz Creol Beach, Jamaica: Featuring a unique river flowing into the sea, this beach is relatively undiscovered. You can tour, tube down the river, or relax on the sandbar where river meets sea. Stay at Kaz Creol Beach Lodge for a laid-back experience.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia: Known for its powdery white sand and iconic Pitons, this beach is a couple of kilometers south of Soufriere. The northern part is open to the public, with nearby luxury hotels like Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort and Jade Mountain Resort. Samfi Gardens offers a more affordable option.
The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s best beaches, making it a wonderful place to live and travel. The tropical weather, friendly locals, and incredible beaches all contribute to its appeal.